So, what did I make in my studio today?  Well, I have these casein paints that I have been wanting to experiment with for a long time so I broke them out.  The tube says not to use them impasto like on canvas, so I did a watered down little painting to start.  I’m interested in how this paint will react to layers, to changing it, and finishing it.  It says you can buff it to a polished glow.  Maybe not on canvas, but we shall see.

So, here’s to being creative everyday for the month of  November!

And that’s all I really have for now.  More later.  I’m back in the studio.

The end products are still in progress– ars longa, vita brevis!

And THEN, on SUNDAY, I had a ball learning how to paint on SILK with Elizabeth Mitchell!  Here are some photos from that workshop–

If you are interested, contact her at resilk@tampabay.rr.com

We met new people, got crafty, thought and talked about what we want in our lives, and CREATED!

The next session will be “Personal Altars”, Thursday the 26th.   Hope to see you there!

Over the past week, I’ve been working to put together a small list of classes that I will be offering in my local Tampa Bay area.  It’s been an interesting process- creating a newsletter  and a press release to mail out to contacts old and new- and then hitting SEND.  I’m sure for a lot of people that’s just everyday marketing, but it’s been a while since I’ve sent out a big mailing.  I’ve been receiving a lot of emails from old friends saying hello who are happy to see my latest work, and quite a few “unsubscribes”, with mailchimp’s funny little note- “maybe they’re just not that into you”.   The fact is that it feels good to just be putting myself out there again.  I’ve been a bit hesitant to begin teaching or holding classes again after a few years off, but I am finally feeling ready.  Now, we’ll see if anyone shows up!   I plan to be there regardless.

Join me and author Ellen Smoak as we dive into your deepest sense of  joy, passion and creativity through a combined practice of yoga, dance, art and writing.  The spirit’s voice likes to speak from the heart- where true art is created.  By freeing our bodies in movement, we open the channel for the heart to talk in the languages color, shape, and prose.  You will walk away with an inspired piece of artwork, written musings, and a renewed creative spirit.  No experience necessary.  Just bring your inner artist and your desire to explore!

DATE CHANGE! Saturday, June 18th from 1:30-4:30 pm. $45. Santaella Cigar Factory 1606 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa FL 33607.  Art supplies included. Bring your journal.

“After taking two of Paula’s courses and attending numerous open studio drawing sessions at Sziv Studios, I can say without hesitation that she is not only a talented artist but a natural as a teacher. Paula fostered a class setting that was intimate and supportive, and she skillfully engaged students from around the world at all levels artistic ability. She is adept at finding positive aspects in all of her students’ work, but more importantly she can break down and explain different methodologies, giving even the most challenged students the tools and confidence to create pieces they can be proud of.” -Molly Hovorka

“Paula is a great artist who not only does fantastic work, but who can pass these skills onto people with consumate ease.”- Michael Logan

“Paula Brett was able to conceive and implement her vision for an art studio in impressively short period of time, especially impressive for someone starting a business in a foreign country she had just moved to (within the year) and whose language she did not speak. The result was a fine tuned, functioning art center that required coordination of a diverse staff and constant attention and flexibility to manage. Her ability to find and subsequently use all available resources to her advantage were also exemplary. The studio itself was not just a success due to it’s product, but to Paula’s organizational skills and initiative.” – Esther Holbrook

Drawing as Meditation- A Course in Seeing/Being

It doesn’t matter if you were born with ‘natural talent’, or if you ‘can’t draw to save your life’.   Drawing is a practice, and  like any other, it takes exactly that- practice.  If you have the desire, the patience, and a constant battle with the ego, this course may be for you.  This course isn’t about learning how to draw- it’s about learning to SEE- and drawing happens naturally.  When we give up the attachment to the outcome, we are free to delight in the process. Drawing for the love of drawing- dissolving the space between ‘me’ and ‘it’, transforms our world forever.  This course is open to beginners and advanced students alike.  Wednesdays, June 1 – July 6, 9:30-11:30 am, $120. Supply list given upon registration.

All sessions will take place in Studio 303, 1906 N. Armenia Avenue (on the corner of Armenia and Spruce), Tampa, FL.   Call 917-340-4798 for more information.

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I am so excited to introduce the CREATE YOURSELF Series!  What is it, you ask?  It’s a series of mini-art sessions with different themes that center around YOU by adding creativity and positivity to your everyday life.

Come join in conversation and camaraderie as we get glue and paint everywhere.   Bring some friends, a bottle of wine, some noshes and get ready to create!

Here’s the offerings:

Back to the Vision Board

How’s that vision board looking?  Have you gazed upon it lately?  Vision Boards are collages to help you visualize your fondest dreams into reality.  Even if you have never made a vision board (or if you think it’s just hokey), making a vision board is FUN and super REWARDING!  In this session, we will talk about different kinds of vision boards, choose one that is perfect for you, and start MAKING!  All materials provided.  If you have magazines we can cut up, please bring them!  Thursday, May 19 and June 23- 7:00-9:00 pm, $20

Personal Altar Pieces

Altars are created to honor what is important to you- whether it be an intention, an ideal, people, deities, goals, or whatever you choose.  They add beauty and provide a place to reflect on your personal or spiritual priorities.  Altars fill a space with your unique, personal, creative and spiritual energy!  Using your imagination and intuition, we will create altar pieces in a diorama style using a sturdy box as our ‘canvas’.  You bring the specific symbolic items you want to place inside- photos, stones, feathers, special memorabilia, etc. and we will paint and decorate the box inside and out using a variety of provided materials.  Thursday, May 26 and July 7- 7:00-9:00 pm, $25

Artful Affirmations

Do you think of Stuart Smalley from SNL when you hear the word ‘affirmation’?  Well, as silly as affirmations can feel at first, they actually work.  Affirmations can be defined as “something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment.”  In this session, we’ll discuss how to create and phrase affirmations, then design a small canvas to display your favorite affirmation– as work of art!   These powerful little canvases can have a major affect on your life if you let them.   All materials provided.  Thursday, June 2 and July 14- 7:00-9:00 pm, $25

Manifesting Mobiles

Vision Board + Artful  Affirmations + Mobile= The Manifesting Mobile! This is a fun, easy project to display phrases and images of your choosing in a beautiful mobile you can hang anywhere you wish!  We are not talking coat hangers here, folks.  These mobiles are an original design pattern that we have engineered to be successful–all you have to do is  grab some art supplies and have fun!  All materials provided.  Thursday, June 16 and July 21, 7:00-9:00 pm, $25

All sessions will take place in Studio 303, 1906 N. Armenia Avenue (on the corner of Armenia and Spruce), Tampa, FL.   Call 917-340-4798 for more information.

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